Member Movie Reviews

SV S.Reviewed on 6/20/2017...

I just want people to be fully aware of what they're signing up for with this film. If you haven't read the book, you won't understand how truly f*cked up this story is.

The little "girl" in this film is not a little girl, he is a castrated boy (victim of a satanic paedophile king in medieval times, according to the diseased mind of the author). Eli's (the vampire boy's) "dad" is nothing of the kind - he is also a paedophile, who Eli is using as a means to obtain blood, since Eli is too small to take down adult humans.

This alone should be enough to frighten decent people away from this repulsive film, but unfortunately the child molestation aspect is exactly what has drawn so many sick perverts to the film (and I'm sure many of them won't openly admit WHY they like this movie so much, claiming instead that it has "artistic merit", or some other specious nonsense).

The only good thing about the film is the friendship between the two boys, but this is overshadowed by all the gratuitous gore and paedophilia-apologism. If you care about children's rights, you will not watch this film, as it attempts to normalise and make entertaining a heinous crime against the most innocent among us.

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Darwin H. (movienut) from BLOOMINGTON, MN Reviewed on 1/4/2010...

Well this bizarre little gem from Sweden really seems to be dividing viewers. Mark me firmly in the camp of those that greatly enjoyed it.

I found the storyline to be very clever and inventive. The age of the two main characters adds a twist to the "typical" vampire movie. The choice of location adds tremendously to the atmosphere. It is set in the dead of winter in Sweden. The environment is at once both beautiful and dangerous. There are some truly gorgeous outdoor shots that stand in stark contrast to the brutal events that occur in their midst.

A very heartwarming young friendship slowly develops between the two main characters fostered by the fact that neither really fits in. There is a definite chemistry between the two young lead characters that adds a great deal of depth to the film as the two misfits discover each other and form a close bond. Each has a very dark side to their nature that they try desperately to hide. Yet as they start to get to know each other they grow to understand and accept themselves for who they are.

But you never forget this is a horror movie. There are some violent and bloody scenes. However, in each case they serve to continue the storyline and never seem to be gratuitous. It also has some interesting little elements that pay homage to classic vampire flicks of years gone by.

The IMHO very talented Guillermo del Toro (producer of some very good movies including Devil's Backbone, Hellboy, The Orphanage, and Pan's Labyrinth) says and I quote "As delicate, haunting and poetic a film as you're ever bound to see." I agree whole-heartedly with him and highly recommend this film.

This has been a Movienut "no spoilers" quick review.

12 of 12 member(s) found this review helpful.

Josh L. from KNOXVILLE, TN Reviewed on 8/13/2009...

Here is a film that is so good, so superbly executed, that even its few, mostly inconsequential flaws can be immediately forgiven. Itís a film to fall in love with, even if you hate vampire movies. Thatís just it, though; this isnít really a vampire movie. Vampirism is merely the setup, the uncanny excuse for a brilliant examination of desolation and identity.

Tomas Alfredsonís film has a subtle architecture, a wicked sense of humor and an emotional resonance that immediately recalls the poetic lens of Bergman. John Ajvide Lindqvistís script (based on his novel) portrays the vampire in a deadly serious manneróas deadly serious as Murnau portrayed Stokerís original vampire tale. And this earnest approach enlivens a story that is, again, less about the romanticized mythology of blood suckers and more about the relationship of two desperately lonely kids: Oskar, a bullied and withdrawn boy who longs for power over his own life, and Eli, a 12-year-old (Ēmore or lessĒ) vampire isolated by the curseís insatiable nature.

Let the Right One In is a powerful film, and I donít say that lightly. Its ethical and emotional ruminations are exciting and disquieting; both Oskar and Eli are capable of dark acts, but neither is evil. Their quandary is that of their own survival, and everything that implies. We canít choose who saves us from our loneliness, nor can we expect to be saved. But when one comes along who not only sees your scars but also understands them, all we can choose is whether to invite them in.

Note: The US DVD and Blu-ray has simplified subtitles. You can order a correct Blu-ray version from Amazon.co.uk. It's a region-free disc.

8 of 8 member(s) found this review helpful.

Vanessa V. (sevenspiders) Reviewed on 3/13/2009...

Let the Right One In has the trappings of some of the worst movie cliches ever; its a vampire movie, a coming-of-age story, a buddy movie- and yet it is completely unlike anything I've ever seen.

It unfolds with a quiet precision, as luminous and mesmerizing as the best of the early silent horror movies. Set in Sweden, the story follows the outcast Oskar, full of rage at the bullying of his peers, and Eli, the mysterious young girl who moves into the apartment next door. The two gradually begin to understand and love each other, accepting even the darkest and most frightening parts of the other's nature.

The violence and blood in the film is understated, in fact it gives a totally original and stunning meaning to the words "off-screen", but it is nonetheless shocking when it comes. The young actors convey a wonderful combination of solemnity and innocence, they really look and sound like children- but, all puns aside, children of the night.

15 of 15 member(s) found this review helpful.

Movie Reviews

Let this one in

EnglishMajor | Ocklawaha FL USA | 10/01/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not a vampire movie so much as a meditation on the sexual & emotional confusions & frustrations of early adolescence. The development of the relationship between Oscar & Eli is subtle yet richly detailed & complex, the depiction of the gulf between children & adults (parents, teachers, guardians, strangers) in the story feels true in every aspect, & Eli's character is much more ambiguous than Amazon's thumbnail review would lead you to think. Simply one of the finest movies about children I have ever seen."

Superb, beware bad subtitles.

Thomas E. Stazer | Houston, TX United States | 10/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As noted in the most visible reviews, be sure to see the "us theatrical subtitled" version - luckily the correct version IS streaming from Amazon and Netflix."

Vampire Movie for the Frustrated Kid in All of Us

S. H. Wells | Tulsa, OK United States | 10/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased the blu-ray edition of "Let the Right One In" and was amazed by the quality of the film and the power of the story. First, the disc itself is relatively light on special features. But it does have all the tools you need to watch and enjoy the film. The blu-ray features:

English Language Dub (for those out there who do not like to read movies)

So there are plenty of options for translation to watch. The English Language Dub is surprisingly good (usually dubs are god-awful) and I found that the voice actors did a fine job of portraying the characters and the script seemed natural. I also watched with Theatrical Subtitles which were good, natural and realistic (no verbatim awkwardness here).

The picture itself is clear and crisp. The shadows of a film mostly shot at night in the snow are fantastic.

The Blu-ray has a few bonus items like movie posters, stills gallery, and a very brief discussion by the director.

The movie (Don't worry NO SPOILERS) is beautiful and heart-wrenching. I found myself horrified with the adults in the movie more than with the vampire. The vampire herself is heartbreaking and funny. Oskar's school experience is tragically all too typical. This movie should have broad appeal: vampire without the conventions of a horror flick; unconventional relationships; unconventional coming-of-age; foreign movie that is scene driven (instead of dialog driven)."